Morningside Gardens in Knoxville, TN

Pros

• They helped him get in fast when he was homeless.
• The staff were very friendly in helping him fill out his second application.

Cons

• The place could use a full upgrade and is uncomfortable for visitors due to bed bugs and drug activity.
• The management doesn’t seem to care about what’s happening, and it’s implied the reviewer wouldn’t want their own dog to live there.
• It’s described as horrible, with non-residents staying on the premises and making the place unsafe for residents.
• Parking is impossible because outsiders park anywhere; security won’t answer calls and seems afraid to take action.
• It’s bedbug-infested, with mice and roaches, and drugs are allegedly available on site.
• The property is filthy and moldy, with drunks and crack heads hanging around; noise and solicitations are constant.
• Staff are rude or incompetent, causing delays in moving in and handling applications.
• The manager is accused of favoritism toward some residents and tolerating drug and gang activity, with a suggestion that the place should be shut down.

Review

Morningside Gardens in Knoxville is best suited for seniors or adults on an extremely tight housing budget who need immediate occupancy and are prepared to accept a rough, unsettled environment. This is not a community built around predictable routines, safety, or proactive on-site management. For families that prioritize clean conditions, reliable security, and consistent, professional oversight, alternatives should be the default consideration rather than a secondary option.

The strongest red flags are safety and health-related: bed bugs, mold, roaches, and evidence of pests in multiple units, plus the perception or reality of drug activity nearby. Non-residents reportedly accessing parking and common spaces, slow or absent responses from security, and a sense that management tolerates disorder all compound the risk. Claims of favoritism and unaddressed maintenance issues further erode trust in the ability of staff to keep vulnerable residents safe and comfortable. In short, the environment described by residents feels unstable and unpredictable, particularly concerning for seniors who rely on consistent safeguards.

There are a few nominal positives that surface amid the gloom. Some staff members are described as friendly and helpful during the application process, and there is at least anecdotal evidence that intake can occur quickly for someone in dire need. A handful of instances where staff attempted to assist with paperwork or move-in logistics show a spark of customer-service intent. These moments, however, do not counterbalance the core concerns about safety, cleanliness, and ongoing management, and they should not be treated as a substitute for a well-run assisted living setting.

The pros do not meaningfully offset the main cons. Quick intake and occasional courtesy from staff cannot compensate for persistent pest problems, mold, and the perception of drug-related activity on the premises. Parking and security issues undermine daily life for residents and visitors alike, and staff communication gaps magnify stress and confusion. For families weighing options, the calculus is clear: cost savings come with a heavy burden of risk that can escalate quickly as health needs and daily routines intensify. A community must protect its most vulnerable residents; here, those protections appear inconsistent at best.

For families evaluating senior living options, use a disciplined due-diligence approach. Schedule multiple in-person tours at different times of the day to observe the pace and quality of maintenance, security presence, and resident interactions. Ask for current pest-control records, recent health and safety inspections, and a transparent view of any outstanding maintenance requests. Speak with several residents about call-backs from the office, and request documented responses to prior issues. Clarify parking policies, guest access, and what happens when non-residents linger on the property. If possible, request a copy of the lease or resident agreement and have a trusted advisor review it for enforcement of rules and protections.

Bottom line: Morningside Gardens represents a high-risk option that only makes sense for those with nowhere else to turn and a willingness to live with significant management and safety concerns. For any family seeking stability, predictable routines, and a clean, secure living environment, alternatives are strongly advised. Look toward communities with proven pest control standards, transparent operations, proactive security, and consistently responsive staff. If pursuing this site, enter with explicit expectations, a firm plan for rapid escalation of any issue, and a clear timetable for progress on outstanding maintenance and safety concerns.

Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, this area offers a mix of amenities within close proximity for senior living. There are a variety of dining options ranging from casual to upscale, including Pretentious Beer Co., A Dopo Sourdough Pizza, and Bistro at the Bijou. For healthcare needs, there are several hospitals nearby such as Fort Sanders Hospital and East Tennessee Children's Hospital, as well as various physician offices and pharmacies. Residents can enjoy a cup of coffee at K Brew Coffee House or Jacks Coffee & Plants, or catch a movie at the Regal Riviera theater. Places of worship such as Immaculate Conception Catholic Church provide spiritual support, while parks like World's Fair Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. With its convenient location and diverse offerings, this area provides a comfortable and convenient setting for seniors looking to make it their home.

Restaurants

• Pretentious Beer Co. (1 miles)
• A Dopo Sourdough Pizza (1 miles)
• Blackhorse Pub & Brewery (1.1 miles)
• Sweet P’s Downtown Dive (1.2 miles)
• Schulz Bräu Brewing Company (1.2 miles)
• McDonald's (1.2 miles)
• Bistro at the Bijou (1.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Steps House (1.1 miles)
• Steps House (1.4 miles)
• Fort Sanders Hospital (2.3 miles)
• East Tennessee Children's Hospital (2.4 miles)

Cafes

• K Brew Coffee House (1.1 miles)
• Jacks Coffee & Plants (1.1 miles)
• Wild Love Bakehouse (1.7 miles)
• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• South Press (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)

Physicians

• Convenient Care Downtown (1.1 miles)
• East Tennessee Heart Consultant (1.6 miles)
• Rashmi Hottigoudar, MD (1.6 miles)
• Mercy Health Partners (1.6 miles)
• Baptist Health System (1.6 miles)
• Christenberry Clinic PC (1.8 miles)
• Knoxville Pain Center (2.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Paragon Infusion Center Knoxville (1.1 miles)
• H Bolton (1.2 miles)
• Mac's Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.7 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Riviera (1.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (1.2 miles)
• Water Angel Ministries (1.7 miles)
• Meridian Baptist Church (4.6 miles)

Parks

• World's Fair Park (1.6 miles)
• New Harvest Park Farmers Market (4.4 miles)
• Victor Ashe Park (5 miles)